By Abdullahi Lukman
The Oyo State Government has trained about 24,000 farmers in soil testing and climate-smart agricultural practices in 2026 as part of efforts to improve food production, strengthen resilience to climate change and enhance food security.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleye, disclosed this during the commencement of activities marking the 2026 World Food Day at the Parliament Building, House of Chiefs, Secretariat, Ibadan.
The two-day celebration featured an agricultural quiz competition and interactive sessions designed to encourage students and young people to embrace agriculture, innovation and modern farming techniques.
Olaleye, who delivered the keynote address on the first day, said engaging young people was essential to developing innovative solutions to agricultural challenges and ensuring sustainable food production for future generations.
He said the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde had continued to implement programmes aimed at increasing agricultural productivity, improving rural infrastructure and supporting farmers across the state.
The commissioner also highlighted investments in rural road construction to improve access to farming communities and facilitate the transportation of agricultural produce to markets. The roads include the Ibadan-Iseyin, Oyo-Iseyin, Ogbomoso-Iseyin and Saki-Ogboro-Igboho routes.
He further disclosed that the state government had invested in remodelling major markets under the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP) to strengthen agricultural marketing and stimulate rural economic development.
According to him, the projects include Oja-Agbe Market in Iseyin, Aare-Alasa Market in Akanran, Ona-Ara Local Government Area, and Oja-Oba Market in Igbo-Ora, Ibarapa Central Local Government Area. The completed works include improved storage facilities.
Olaleye stressed that sustained investment in agricultural skills, infrastructure and modern farming methods would help improve productivity and create opportunities for young people in the sector.
